Austin Rivers sets sights on Most Improved Player award

Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers was handed a second chance last season.

After two underwhelming seasons in New Orleans, where he was drafted 10th overall in 2012, Rivers found his way to Los Angeles, where he played much better in a system instilled by his father, Doc.

Rivers nudged his efficiency metrics closer to respectable and even chipped in with a handful of clutch playoff performances.

Doc and the Clippers rewarded Rivers with a two-year, $6.4-million deal this summer.

But Rivers isn't quite satisfied with his progress and is setting the bar high. After watching what was presumably the USA Basketball scrimmage Thursday, Rivers vowed to win the Most Improved Player award.

Never mind the fact Rivers threw shade at the Team USA minicamp invitees. Even the least-heralded names at camp - like C.J. Watson or Elfrid Payton - have accomplished far more than him at the NBA level.

As for the award, Rivers has plenty of room to improve, given that he's never once posted an above-average PER. He's a decent slasher and a selective ball-handler who keeps turnovers low, but he could stand to become a better jump-shooter.

(Courtesy: Peter Beshai)

Taking home hardware will be tough for Rivers. The Clippers restocked their bench this offseason, which will likely cut into the number of touches available for him. As with most awards, voters are typically swayed by bigger boxscore totals, and Rivers will need more minutes - not fewer - in order to catch the eye of analysts.

Still, he should have his father in his corner. Doc was the loudest proponent of DeAndre Jordan's candidacy for Defensive Player of the Year, and would likely show the same, if not more, zeal for his son.

In 41 games with the Clippers last season, the 23-year-old Austin averaged 7.1 points and 1.7 assists in 19.3 minutes per game.